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<br />Mounds View Planning Commission March 1, 2000 <br />Regular Meeting Page 13 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Commissioner Hegland inquired who would determine what is objectionable material. <br />Commissioner Miller pointed out the Eller Media already has a list of items they do not <br />advertise. Commissioner Kaden indicated they specifically exempt Minnesota State Lottery and <br />Indian operated casinos. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson inquired if the Grand Casino would not be permitted to advertise their <br />hotel in this case, simply because it refers to a casino. He pointed out that gambling constituted <br />a very large market, and this action would attempt to limit Eller Media and DeLite Outdoor <br />Advertising from this. He advised that eventually this would result in an issue of freedom of <br />speech. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hegland stated he did not agree, in that the issue was that the City was allowing <br />an interim use, which would affect members of the community. He inquired who would <br />determine what is considered to be objectionable material. <br /> <br />Commissioner Stevenson stated the Commission’s only interest should be that the Council <br />include this item in the lease agreement, and not who makes the decisions or enforces them. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hegland stated in his interpretation, the Commission was suggesting the City <br />retain the right to refuse objectionable advertising, whatever that may be, and therefore, did not <br />understand how being more specific was necessary, in terms of this resolution. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kaden stated Eller Media has indicated in their proposal that they would prohibit <br />the display of any advertising for specific items, or any product or service whose use or purpose <br />is restricted by age. He stated in his opinion, this includes gambling because you must be 18 <br />years of age in order to lawfully gamble. He pointed out that if they are going to restrict liquor <br />and cigarettes, they should not allow gambling, which is age-restricted as well. He stated the <br />only reason he requested this language be added was to make the Council aware that this issue <br />should be considered in the lease agreement. <br /> <br /> Ayes – 6 Nays – 2 (Berke and Johnson) The motion carried. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson pointed out that alcohol and tobacco are items that are readily accessible <br />to minors, either in their homes, or through friends or acquaintances, however, lottery tickets and <br />casinos do not involve the same accessibility. He advised that minors could not legally enter <br />casinos, therefore, the issue of age restriction does not apply. <br /> <br />Commissioner Berke stated the comment that gambling was socially unacceptable would only be <br />applicable to a small number of people who were opposed to gambling. He indicated he did not <br />gamble, however, the fact that gambling casinos continue to expand, and take in millions and <br />millions of dollars, is reticent to the fact that the majority of the people do not find this activity to